Let’s be real for a second—writer’s block is the worst. That blinking cursor? Mocking. The blank page? Intimidating. Deadlines? Looming. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours staring at your screen, hoping inspiration will strike like lightning. Spoiler alert: it usually doesn’t.
But here’s the thing—there are ways to trick your brain into getting those words flowing, and they’re not your typical “write every day” or “read more books” advice. I’m talking about unconventional, slightly weird, but ridiculously effective writing hacks that changed the game for me overnight.
I’ve spent years devouring books, articles, and even Reddit threads to unearth these gems. I’ve tested them, tweaked them, and figured out what really works. So, consider this your invitation into my world of creative breakthroughs. Let’s dive in!
Embrace the Awful First Sentence
Absolutely! Here’s a clearer version of the text:
Yes, you heard that right. Start with a really terrible sentence—one so bad it makes you cringe. Why? Because perfectionism stifles creativity. When you allow yourself to write something awful, you relieve the pressure and unlock your natural flow.
For example, I once began a story with the sentence, “The purple monkey ate a radioactive banana and exploded.” Did that line make it into the final draft? Certainly not. But did it get me writing? Absolutely. That’s the main goal—to just begin.
Interview Your Characters Like You’re on a First Date
Ever had a character that felt flat? Try interviewing them like you would a potential romantic interest. Ask them weird, unexpected questions—What’s their guilty pleasure song? What’s the last lie they told? What’s their most irrational fear?—and watch them come to life.
I once did this for a protagonist I couldn’t connect with. Turns out, she had an obsession with late-night infomercials and a fear of pigeons. That single exercise made her feel like a real person instead of just a name on a page.
Write a Placeholder and Keep Moving
Feeling stuck on a scene? Instead of getting bogged down with the perfect description, leave a quick note and keep moving forward. A simple placeholder like [INSERT EPIC FIGHT SCENE HERE] helps maintain your momentum and preserves your creative flow.
Momentum is vital. If you linger too long, self-doubt can set in. Keep the engine of inspiration running and have faith that you’ll return to it with renewed perspective when the time is right.
Skip Around Like a Time Traveler
Who says you have to write in order? If a later scene is buzzing in your brain, write it now! Your writing doesn’t have to be linear—it just has to get done.
For my last book, I wrote the ending first. It gave me a clear destination, which made writing the middle parts easier. It’s like setting up waypoints on a road trip—knowing where you’re going makes the journey smoother.
Warm Up with Mini-Vignettes
Before jumping into your main project, try writing short, random scenes—little character interactions, setting descriptions, even dialogues that may never make it into the final draft. It’s like stretching before a workout; it loosens up your creativity and helps you find your rhythm.
I once wrote a vignette about two strangers stuck in an elevator. That exact scene never made it into a book, but the chemistry between those characters did.
Make Peace with Imperfection
Perfectionism is a sneaky villain. If you try to make everything perfect on the first go, you’ll never finish anything. Some of the best writing comes from embracing the messy, the raw, and the slightly chaotic.
Break a grammar rule. Start a sentence with “and.” End one with a preposition. Let your voice shine through without overanalyzing every word.
Outline Like a Mad Scientist
I used to hate outlining—until I made it fun. Instead of a dry, rigid structure, I started treating my outlines like a mad scientist’s blueprint. Scribbles, chaotic notes, bits of dialogue, mood boards—it all goes in.
For my latest novel, I even made a Pinterest board filled with images that captured the vibe of my story. It helped me see my world more vividly and made descriptions effortless.
Do “Writing Passes” Instead of Editing All at Once
Don’t try to fix everything in one go—it’s overwhelming. Instead, tackle different aspects in separate passes. One pass for dialogue. One for pacing. One for sensory details. It makes revising way less daunting.
Reading your work aloud is another game-changer. You’ll catch awkward phrasing, weird pacing, and places where the rhythm just feels… off.
Keep Your Work a Secret (At First)
This one took me a while to learn, but it’s crucial: don’t talk about your book before it’s written. Sharing too early can drain your excitement and make you second-guess everything.
If you need feedback, find a trusted writing buddy. But keep your work sacred until it’s strong enough to stand on its own.
Rewrite Your Beginning After the End
Your first chapter will probably be the thing you rewrite the most. Why? Because by the time you reach the end, you’ll understand your story and characters so much better.
I’ve rewritten the opening of every single one of my books after finishing the first draft. It’s not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weird, Find What Works
Writing isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. The key is to experiment, play, and find the weird, unconventional methods that make your process smoother and more enjoyable.
So go ahead—try a few of these hacks. Maybe they’ll change your writing game overnight, like they did for me. Or maybe they’ll just give you a fresh perspective. Either way, the only way to get better at writing is to keep writing.
And hey, if you find a bizarre trick that works for you, let me know. I’m always on the hunt for more creative ways to outsmart writer’s block. Happy writing!
